Around the League

Recent Premier Florida News

5/7/18
By TBJ Staff
Wesley Chapel, FL - The Tampa Bay Juniors Hockey Club is proud to announce that Premier Defenseman Christian Louria has committed to ACHA Division I Rochester Institute of Technology.

Louria, from Wexford, PA, was a USPHL Southern Division All Star this past season with Tampa. In 48 games Christian had 9 goals with 21 assist and a +23.

“Christian came to us just after the season started and right away you saw his skill and that he would be a difference maker," said Head Coach Garrett Strot. "He was so good in the defensive zone with his awareness and calmness with the puck. R.I.T picked up an elite defenseman.”

“Playing for the Tampa Bay Juniors was great for my development as a player and a person." said Christian, "The experienced coaching staff and exceptional facilities made it a memorable year for me and helped me get to the next level.”

“Christian had multiple NCAA schools talking too him," said Strot, "but in the end he felt R.I.T was the best fit for him academically and to continue playing hockey.”

The Tampa Bay Juniors wish Christian and his family the best of luck as he continues on to the next chapter of his life.

The Tampa Bay Juniors Hockey Club is proud to announce that Premier forward Curtis Hansen has officially committed to Bethel University for the 2018-19 season. Bethel is located in St. Paul, MN and plays in the MIAC.

Hansen, a Prior Lake, MN native, has played two seasons for TBJ. In 2016-17 he played 41 games tallying 55 points. This past season Hansen also played in 41 games netting 47 points despite missing 10 games due to an injury.

“Curtis has been a top player for us the last two years,” said Head Coach Garrett Strot. “Bethel is getting a skilled player who works hard both on and off the ice. He definitely will add some scoring to their lineup.”

“Playing in Tampa the last two years has been the best years of my life,” said Hansen. “If I was a high school player looking for a place to play juniors, I wouldn’t think twice about going and playing for TBJ. They have some of the best facilities in all of junior hockey and who doesn’t want to go to the rink in shorts and flip flops every day!”

“It will be fun to watch his college career,” added Strot, “I played college with his dad at Bethel so to see him go there was awesome!”

The coaches and staff with TBJ all wish Curtis and his family the best of luck as he continues his hockey career.

Curtis is the 7th Tampa player to commit to a college this year, and the second one to commit to Bethel, joining Jory McWilliams.

Former Tampa Bay Juniors Defenseman Luke Perunovich committed this week to play hockey at Providence College starting in the 2018-19 season. The Friars, a member of Hockey East, recently won the NCAA Division I Frozen Four in 2015.

Perunovich played with Tampa Bay during the 2015-16 season before playing the last two years at the tier II level.

“Luke came to us from one of the top High School programs in Minnesota and needed to play in all situations and get a lot of ice time,” said Head Coach Garrett Strot, “For him to make the leap to come to Florida to start his junior career and to have his dedication and commitment payoff is great to see. I’ve known his family for many years and am very happy to see his dream come true!”

“You could see his skill set right away,” said Owner/Head Coach Brett Strot, “The first time I saw him was at our first practice that season and right away I told my brother ‘this kid has some potential’ and to see him go Division I is great.”

Luke becomes the first player to play for the Tampa Bay Juniors to make a Division I commitment. Earlier this year, Roope Hintz became the first player to play for TBJ to be called up to the NHL. (Dallas Stars)

The Tampa Bay Juniors wish Luke and his family the best of luck in his continued hockey journey at Providence.